Israel Adesanya and Alex Pereira can possibly collide for a third time in the UFC, after the Brazilian captured the LHW gold at UFC 295. However, Pereira’s mentor Glover Teixeira doesn’t see that happening anytime soon.
After knocking out Jiri Prochazaka in the last PPV, Alex Pereira called out ‘Izzy’ to move up to 2-05 lbs and finish off their trilogy in MMA. That said, Israel Adesanya took to social media and reminded his Brazilian nemesis about the KO loss from UFC 287.
Meanwhile, Dana White has also not ruled out the possibility of putting ‘Izzy’ and ‘Poatan’ against each other again, Glover Teixeira shared his opinion on what Israel Adesanya shall do next, predicting the New Zealander would avoid Pereira.
In a chat with the MMA Fighting, Teixeira said, “I don’t want to keep talking because sometimes it will come out like I’m talking sh*t and I’m not that type of guy, but Adesanya doesn’t want to fight him.”
“Adesanya is in a great position right now, he has a lot of money. I’m not saying he’s scared. If he had never won the [UFC] belt he would definitely move up and fight Alex for this belt, but he’s at the top of the world, man. Do you think he’s going to fight this guy?”
Israel Adesanya lost his middleweight crown to Sean Strickland and may compete in a non-title bout next. It’s still unclear when we will see ‘The Last Stylebender’ in a UFC contest again.
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Who Shall Israel Adesanya Face Next In The UFC?
During his recent trip to Riyadh in Saudi Arabia, for Ngannou vs Fury, Israel Adesanya jokingly hinted at returning in 2027. That said, Sean Strickland will defend the 185 lbs title against Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 297.
Upon returning, ‘Izzy’ may face any of the top-rated middleweights. Glover Teixeira predicts the firmer champion to opt for ‘easy fights’.
The ex-UFC LHW champion said: “He probably wants more of special fights now, easier guys. To go there and fight someone from a previous generation, a former champion, maybe Anderson Silva or ‘Borrachina’ [Paulo Costa]. F*ck, man. [Pereira] at light heavyweight? Poor guy.”
It remains to be seen what Israel Adesanya does next and whom does he choose to fight on his UFC return.
